Get to know New Classics Ballet Theatre, the talented dancers behind the upcoming holiday production The Toymaker’s Magic!

Before The Toymaker’s Magic takes the stage this December, our Tutu School families will have an extra-special opportunity to meet dancers from New Classics Ballet Theatre at our upcoming Sugar Plum Party!

We’re so excited to welcome these talented artists into our studio and give our little dancers the chance to connect with the world of professional ballet.

At Tutu School, we believe ballet is about so much more than learning steps. It’s about imagination, storytelling, creativity, and discovering all the wonderful possibilities that dance has to offer. We can’t think of a more magical way to celebrate those values than by introducing our Tutu Schoolers to artists who bring beautiful ballet stories to life!

We’re thrilled to introduce New Classics Ballet Theatre, the wonderful ballet company joining us for our upcoming Sugar Plum Party! Our little dancers will have the special opportunity to meet a dancer from the company and experience a little of the magic that makes live ballet so enchanting.

And the excitement doesn’t stop there! This December, New Classics Ballet Theatre will bring an original holiday production, The Toymaker’s Magic, to the stage. An imaginative prequel to The Nutcracker, this brand-new ballet takes audiences on a magical journey through the untold beginnings of one of the world’s most beloved holiday stories.

We had the pleasure of chatting with the company to learn more about their mission, their upcoming production, and why introducing children to the performing arts is so special!

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1. Can you tell us a little about New Classics Ballet Theatre and what inspired you to start the company?

New Classics Ballet Theatre is a non-profit organization created by four University of California, Irvine ‘25 graduates. At NCBT we believe the next great ballet stories are yet to be told. We create new classics: original, full-length story ballets that honor the beauty of classical ballet and classical music while inviting audiences into fresh, imaginative worlds. Working with accomplished dancers alongside musicians and composers, we develop new classical works that are whimsical, family-friendly, relevant to today’s world, and more accessible to both dancers and audiences.

2. Your upcoming production, The Toymaker’s Magic, is an original prequel to The Nutcracker! What inspired this story, and what makes this production unique?

We have all grown up loving The Nutcracker and the magic it brings to the holiday season. In keeping with our mission to bring new stories to the stage, we decided to add a new chapter to the Nutcracker story. The Toymaker’s Magic still keeps the joyous, creative spirit of the original story, but audiences now get the chance to dive deeper into the origin story of Drosseymeyer, Clara’s mother Anna, and the Snow Queen. With an original score, and brand new choreography, The Toymaker’s Magic is sure to become a new holiday tradition the whole family will enjoy.

3. What can families and young dancers look forward to when attending The Toymaker’s Magic?

This ballet truly has something for everyone! There is comedy, mystery, characters both familiar and new, and a commissioned score that is sure to sweep audiences off their feet. We will share the untold origin story of Drosselmeyer’s magic and how the Nutcracker first came to be!

4. Why do you think introducing children to live ballet performances at a young age is so special?

Live art is such a privilege to experience at any age. As children, our imagination and creative spirit is boundless. We are so willing to immerse ourselves in the story playing out in front of us as if we were truly taken to a magical land of sweets or glimmering snowy forest. These moments in the audience, completely enamored by a performance, become the memories so many professional dancers look back on as the reason they keep dancing. A seat in the theater is where the magic begins.

5. What are you most excited for audiences to experience in this production, and where can families purchase tickets?

Our biggest hope is that audiences will walk away filled with joy and a spirit of generosity. This ballet is not just about wooden soldier dolls and magic snowflakes. At its core, this story is about choosing kindness, believing in hope, and recognizing that small acts of compassion can change someone’s life.

Tickets for The Toymaker’s Magic are on sale NOW on our website:
www.newclassicsballettheatre.org under the 2026/2027 Season Tab. We are looking forward to bringing a bit of winter magic your way soon! We hope to see you at The Toymaker’s Magic this December 4th-6th at Lineage Performing Arts Center in Pasadena!

Keep the Magic Going: See The Toymaker’s Magic Live! ✨

December 4–6, 2026

Lineage Performing Arts Center | Pasadena, CA

Make this holiday season even more magical with a family trip to the ballet!

New Classics Ballet Theatre’s The Toymaker’s Magic is an original prequel to The Nutcracker, featuring enchanting choreography, an original musical score, and a heartwarming story celebrating kindness, hope, and generosity.

Whether it’s your little dancer’s very first ballet performance or a beloved family holiday tradition, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience the joy of live dance together!

Tickets are on sale now!

Visit www.newclassicsballettheatre.org and select the 2026/2027 Season tab to purchase tickets.

We can’t wait to meet the dancers at our Sugar Plum Party and experience their holiday magic onstage this December!